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Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Troilus and Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer

1 review

bregger99's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Troilus and Pandarus desperately need a lesson in consent. Not once has Criseyde initiated any action. She is always guilted into doing something she does not want to do because the boys spin some story to put the blame on her. It also takes until book IV for her to get a proper monologue, which is then still shorter than the several-page-long laments the men often get. It is hard to comprehend that this poem is written by the same man who created the Wife of Bath.

I cannot deny that it is beautifully written, the main reason for the work to still get two stars. I especially enjoyed the part where Troilus curses the sun for rising (III). However, my enjoyment of the style does not outweigh my annoyance at the misogynistic overtone of the poem, so much so that I wonder if we can still call this canon.

The last straw was the ending, which only reinforces the stereotype that women are lying and cheating creatures and does little to rehabilitate Criseyde's character.
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